The Structured Purse

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Who What WearÂ's obsession du jourÂ--the structured purseÂ--is about to kick hobos and buckets off the handbag radar. This ladylike alternative to super-sized, slouchy bags has been spotted in the clutches of Chloe Sevigny, Christina Aguilera, and Natalia Vodianova (an office favorite). As seen here, structured purses add a certain sophistication to even a casual outfit. The structured purse is also practical. The medium dimensions are sizable enough to fit all your necessities, but the bagÂ's bones keep you from loading it up with pointless junk.

Who What WearÂ's obsession du jourÂ--the structured purseÂ--is about to kick hobos and buckets off the handbag radar. This ladylike alternative to super-sized, slouchy bags has been spotted in the clutches of Chloe Sevigny, Christina Aguilera, and Natalia Vodianova (an office favorite). As seen here, structured purses add a certain sophistication to even a casual outfit. The structured purse is also practical. The medium dimensions are sizable enough to fit all your necessities, but the bagÂ's bones keep you from loading it up with pointless junk.

The Fall 2007 runways were chockablock with structured purses, so in a few months there will certainly be scads of options for everyone. Flea markets and vintage stores are the best place to start looking, but if youÂ're not patient enough to sift or wait for autumn shipments, there are some interesting pieces in stores currently. Right now we like Derek LamÂ's Aggie Brief, with a chain/leather strap and multiple inner foldersÂ--itÂ's ideal for organizational freaks. ($1400, barneys.com) French Connection has an inexpensive shoulder bag with a great shape. The Snake Bag is on sale now and its faux skin print mimics this trendÂ's more expensive cousins. ($49.99, fcuk.com)

On the very high-end of the structure purse scale is the Hermes Constance, recently seen on the typically-big-bag-wearing arm of Mary Kate Olsen. The Constance, which comes in three sizes, was one Jackie O.Â's favorite bags. In fact, she wore them so often that the bag is casually referred to as the Â"Jackie O.Â" amongst aficionados. (Vintage: from $1500, eBay.com. New: from $3500, hermes.com)